Roger Lee Bell

Roger Lee Bell, 66, of Cumberland passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2016.  Roger was born February 13, 1950 in Zanesville, Ohio as the second of three children to the late Robert and Eleanore Bell of Cumberland, Ohio. 

Roger graduated from Meadowbrook High School in 1968 and from West Liberty State College in 1972 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education.  While at WLSC, Roger was a founding member of their chapter of Delta Chi Fraternity.  After graduating from college, Roger worked with his friend Kenny Saft, owner of The Erector Set, for 17 years in steel metal building construction before working as a heavy equipment operator for Oxford Mining.  All while, Roger operated and maintained the family farm, using it as a tool to teach his children a love for nature, to do a job well, and to live a life with honor.  Roger was a man’s man.  A big guy with definite ideas about right and wrong and an expectation for a strong work ethic in all around him.  He loved pulling trucks, listening to music, sports (especially football), and hunting.  Roger enjoyed working with his hands and outdoor recreation; his scars and calloused hands marked a life well lived.

For those who knew Roger, beyond the gruff exterior, they found a compassionate and caring person.  Roger routinely donated his time and efforts to benefit the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department & EMS, Cumberland United Methodist Church, and Cumberland Valley 4-H Kids Club where he served as an Advisor and Instructor for Shooting Sports.  His choice to be a donor for the Lifeline of Ohio was further proof of his kindness for others, including those he would never meet.  Roger was proud of his family and loved each of them as much as a person could love.  He also loved his Delta Chi Fraternity family and the many close friends that touched his life along the way.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents Robert Connor and Eleanore (Hall) Bell (Cumberland, OH) and older sister Dr. Shirley K. Bell (Phoenix, AZ).  Roger is survived by his wife of 35 ½ years Gail Buchy Bell, his four children Heather Bell (fiancé Lance Oliver, Birmingham, AL), David Bell (Wheeling, WV), Richard Bell (Lawrence, KS), Bryan Bell (Cumberland, OH), and his younger sister Beverly A. Bell (Cumberland, OH).

Friends and family are welcome to attend visitations for Roger from 2 to 5 pm on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the Cumberland United Methodist Church, 437 West Main Street, Cumberland, OH.  A Memorial Service will be held at 5 pm with Pastor Keith Taylor officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Roger would have wanted donations sent to the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department & EMS and the Cumberland United Methodist Church.

The Farus Funeral Home of Cumberland is caring for the Bell family.  www.farusfh.com

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